Bataan and USS Elrod (FFG 55) rendered assistance June 6 to persons in distress at sea in the Mediterranean Sea after receiving a report of a sinking small vessel. Bataan provided food, water, medical attention and temporary shelter.

Modern and ready amphibious warships – like Bataan – must be capable of sailing in harm’s way and enable rapid combat power buildup ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world.